Psalms 44:22
Yea, for thy sake are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עָ֭לֶיךָ
H5921
עָ֭לֶיךָ
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הֹרַ֣גְנוּ
Yea for thy sake are we killed
H2026
הֹרַ֣גְנוּ
Yea for thy sake are we killed
Strong's:
H2026
Word #:
3 of 8
to smite with deadly intent
כָל
H3605
כָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַיּ֑וֹם
all the day
H3117
הַיּ֑וֹם
all the day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
5 of 8
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
נֶ֝חְשַׁ֗בְנוּ
long we are counted
H2803
נֶ֝חְשַׁ֗בְנוּ
long we are counted
Strong's:
H2803
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou
Cross References
Romans 8:36As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.Isaiah 53:7He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.Psalms 44:11Thou hast given us like sheep appointed for meat; and hast scattered us among the heathen.1 Corinthians 4:9For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.John 15:21But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.1 Kings 19:10And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.
Historical Context
This verse transforms the theological problem: suffering is not evidence of unfaithfulness but of faithfulness to a God whose enemies are powerful and hostile. It anticipates martyrdom theology in Judaism and Christianity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does suffering 'for God's sake' transform its meaning?
- What comfort comes from knowing persecution results from faithfulness rather than failure?
Analysis & Commentary
The devastating conclusion: 'Yea, for thy sake are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter.' Suffering comes not despite faithfulness but because of it--'for thy sake.' They suffer precisely for maintaining covenant loyalty. Paul quotes this verse in Romans 8:36 to describe the experience of all who follow Christ.